BIGGEST LOSSES

None.

Photo by ASUCLA Photography.

Non-Conference Matches to Watch

January 7 at Ohio State March 8 vs. Lewis

Outlook

Last spring, the Bruins lost in the NCAA semifinals to eventual champion Ohio State. The fifth set score, 18-16, would have been a sad way for any UCLA starters to end their careers. But every single player in that starting lineup is back this year, and coach John Speraw (fifth season) can only hope that loss will help motivate his team to a 2017 championship. The Bruins have a dynamic duo of setter/opposites in sophomore Micah Ma'a and senior Hagen Smith. Both outside hitters are juniors, Jake Arnitz and JT Hatch, and they combined for six kills/set in 206. Hatch and Ma'a were two of the top servers last year, while Arnitz tallied an exceptionally high hitting average (.313) for a pin hitter. Six-foot-seven senior Mitch Stahl and 6-10 junior Oliver Martin are a formidable pair in the middle, averaging a combined two stuff blocks per set. Sophomore Davis Gillett returns at libero, looking to improve on an already impressive 2.02 digs/set. Among the freshmen is setter Reece Salmons, son of 1984 Olympic gold medalist Steve Salmons. UCLA didn't scrimp on its non-conference schedule: The Bruins start the season on the road against Loyola-Chicago, Penn State, and Ohio State, with a March match against Lewis looming large.

Prediction

The Bruins know that championships often turn on the tiniest of details. Even the smallest of improvements may be enough to bring UCLA its 20th NCAA men's volleyball championship.

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